Communication and language sit at the heart of the EYFS. Every conversation, story and shared moment helps children make sense of the world. What is often overlooked, however, is the strong link between communication and language development and oral health.
Oral health impacts children
Research shows that children with poor oral health may experience pain, discomfort and disrupted sleep. These factors can affect a child’s ability to concentrate, listen and communicate. A child with toothache may be quieter, less confident to speak, or unwilling to join in conversations. Over time, this can impact vocabulary development and social interaction.
Speech sounds are also closely linked to oral motor development. Healthy teeth and gums support clear speech production. If children experience early tooth decay or infections, this can affect how sounds are formed and how confident children feel when speaking. In some cases, children may avoid talking altogether due to embarrassment or discomfort.
The setting's vital role
Early years settings play a vital role in promoting positive oral health messages through everyday communication. Simple routines such as talking about brushing teeth, discussing healthy foods during snack time, and reading stories about visiting the dentist all support both language development and health education. These conversations help children learn new words while also building understanding of self-care.
Recent public health research highlights that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience poor oral health. This can contribute to the communication gap seen when children start school. By embedding oral health into daily talk, early years practitioners can help reduce inequalities and support all children to thrive.
Practical ideas
Practical ideas include using puppets to role play brushing teeth, singing songs about healthy habits, and encouraging children to explain their routines at home. Open-ended questions such as “Why do we brush our teeth?” or “How does your mouth feel after brushing?” support thinking and language development.
Partnerships with parents are equally important. Sharing simple, clear messages about oral health, using newsletters or noticeboards, reinforces learning at home. When adults model positive language around health, children learn that looking after their bodies is part of everyday life.
By recognising the link between communication and oral health, early years settings can promote confident speakers with healthy smiles, laying strong foundations for learning and wellbeing.
Something to think about…
How often do we link health routines with language development in our daily practice – and where could we make this more intentional?
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